Pete’s Gear: Preamps
In 1975 and 1976, Pete used a preamp in his Hiwatt stage rig.
In 1975, Pete used an Acoustic 270 as a preamp.
Then, in late 1975 or early 1976, Pete began using a Gelf preamp, made by Kenny Flegg.
Pete continued to use the Gelf model in the studio, and still has one to this day.
Acoustic 270
According to Acoustic Control Corporation: Les amplis basse et guitare (French), the Acoustic 270 was a 275-watt amp that featured high- and low-gain input, bright switch, volume, treble, mid-range, bass, five-band graphic equalizer, reverb/fuzz switch, tremolo, dual speaker outputs.
Pete likely used this amp as a preamp at the front of his signal chain, taking the feed from his compressor pedal, and into the splitter that then drove the Hiwatt amplifiers.
Ca. 1975, with Acoustic 270 used as a preamp atop Hiwatt amp.
Ca. 1975, with Acoustic 270 preamp used as a atop Hiwatt amps.
Ca. 1975, with Acoustic 270 preamp used as a atop Hiwatt amps.
Ca. 1975, with Acoustic 270 used as a preamp atop Hiwatt amps.
Gelf
Ca. August 1976, closeup of Gelf preamp, courtesy Mike Landskroner.
Ca. late 1975 or early 1976, Gelf preamp visible below Hiwatt DR103W amplifier.
Ca. 1976, Gelf preamp visible above Hiwatt DR103W amplifier. Big Muff Pi fuzz pedal taped on top of rig next to preamp.
White-faced Gelf preamp visible below Hiwatt DR103W amplifier.
Ca. 1976, one instance when two Gelf preamps were used.
Click to view larger version. 25 May 1976, Lyon, with Gelf preamp.
Ca. 1978, in the studio, with Gelf preamp atop silverface Fender Deluxe Reverb. Other amp is MESA/Boogie MkII combo. Guitar is 1959 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins Hollow Body.